Salming Running Race Review

Salming Running Race is the lightest of the Salming Running shoes I use. So far I have been using them in races up to 10KM, but I have used for training runs up to 20 miles. For this years Boston Marathon I have decided to use Race. For my fall 2014, I picked Salming Running Distance as the Hambletonian Marathon was very hilly. I simply wanted something more under my feet. But for Boston I think Race will be perfect  for me.

Facts:
Weight: 6.5 oz (Size US 9)
Drop: 5mm
All the tech info you can find here: http://www.salmingrunning.com/us/technologies/

Upper:   The upper has a breathable mesh with seamless synthetic suede as over lays. At first, the overlays seems to be overkill, but the light synthetic suede locks down you foot great and does not interfere with you running.  The fit is neither wide or narrow, which suited my feet well.  On the downside the suede material can get very dirty and its hard to clean. Laces are on the thinner side and this might be something you might wanna switch out to avoid hot spots on top of you foot. Although they have worked great for me.

Midsole/Traction/Cushion: As "Distance" and "Speed" Race comes with a 5mm drop. The difference from the other Salming shoes mentioned above is the built in "Torsion Efficiency Unit" This is a carbon fiber plate, placed in the midfoot area (same as Skechers Speed). It adds some sturdiness and helps with the heel to toe transition. The Race is built low to the ground, but you will find enough of cushion for a fast marathon. The cushion is firm and it has a snappy feel to it. Blown rubber works great for traction. Race Feeling to Salming Race is very good. Low weight, road feeling and a heel-toe drop of 5 mm is a major contributor to this. The mid-sole I would say is responsive and provides good contact with the ground without feeling every bump on the road. In other words a good balance between response, contact and protection.

Flexiblity: The flexibility is "race like" a bit on the firmer side to get you up on the toes fast. Salmings flex starts after 62% of the shoe, measured from the heel. The first flex has a 75 degree angle to flex naturally with you foot. Compare to other racing flats, Race offer the same kind of flexibility that you can expect from a racing flat. 

Conclusion: Race is a great racing flat, that is built low to the ground and offer you a fast feeling on the race day. When I put Race on my feet I get into race mood and that is a great feeling. For faster runners, Race will give you enough protection for the full 26.2. Race is a versatile running flat that you can use for a fast 5K or server as your shoe for your tempo work outs. Although I did not have any issues with durability, Race will get an rubber compound update, that will give the rubber 3 times more durability. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I receive Running shoes from Salming Running USA as part of their  brand ambassador program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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